THE NEWSVINE is published quarterly (first Sunday of January, April, July, October) by Revival Church, United Pentecostal Church, 825 7th Street, Modesto, CA 95354-3414. Any submitted articles to The Newsvine are subject to pastor’s approval and editing by The Newsvine staff.
A Word from the Editors
Launching Out in Faith
Our church stands on the threshold of miraculous events and history-making endtime evangelism. We see a unified dedication in local evangelism with monthly connect groups replacing our last of the month Wednesday night service. A declaration by our pastor for 52 days of Apostolic signs and wonders inspires our faith to witness the impossible.
The question is not whether we are ready for such a united leap of faith, but rather, now and how high. Yes, it is going to take more of our time in prayer and fasting with witnessing, more financial sacrifices, and obedience to the preaching and teaching of the ministry. What lies ahead this year and what incredible services we will have is enough to get all of us energized to undergo the task of getting there and seeing growth in our membership.
God has promised us a miraculous journey to that goal. What a blessed congregation we are that our Lord Jesus Christ has chosen us to be part of the great end-time revival. Let us rise to the challenge, and in faith, triumph in the end. Maranatha! The Lord cometh!
Editors Leo and Virginia Aguilera
"You Cannot Do It on Your Own" by Editor Leo Aguilera
52 Days of Miracles!
COVER STORY - Sister Sujey Diaz
KREW Children's Ministry
The First Sunday Service of the Year
"The Place I Call Home" - Pastor Dannie Hood
"Spent on God" - Missionary Danny Becerra
"Nothing too Hard for God" - Evangelist David Smith
Focus on Spanish Services
"The Lesser Light" - Evangelist Drew Galloway
Buff Winter Senior Banquet
"Aging: Making Music with What Remains" by Sister Carol Castillo
MaKayla Is Engaged!
"The Path to All of God's Blessings - Bishop Billy Hale Missions
ALL CHRISTIANS NEED TO KNOW: YOU CANNOT DO IT ON YOUR OWN!
WHAT IS A NON-CHURCH BELIEVER?
There are millions of believers world-wide who claim they believe in the Holy Bible and accept Jesus Christ’s teachings, but they will not attend a church on any Sunday. They will not faithfully practice supporting any Christian institution, and they certainly do not invite a pastor, bishop, or elder to minister to them or their immediate family. This person according to scholars is called a secular theist, an agnostic theist, or a deist. These terms can also have broader definitions of believing in a higher power without specifying Jesus Christ. If you google the question “What is a Christian called who does not attend church?”, the answers are rather alarming recognitions as a non-practicing Christian, a nominal Christian, a disengaged Christian, a dormant Christian, a non-churchgoer, etc. If you are not accepting the Biblical command found in Hebrews 10:25 TLB: “Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is.”, then you need to answer the question yourself: “Am I a disobedient Christian?”
THE DEFINITION OF CHURCH
Let us be clear, the definition of the word church does not mean a church building, sanctuary, cathedral, or house of worship. It is from the Greek word ekklesia. It fundamentally means assembly, meeting, gathering or congregation. Therefore we can see the church defines
the people who believe the teachings of Christ Jesus and the New Testament of the Holy Bible. The Bible commands us NOT to forsake gathering with the church congregation. It is a group of believers who have followed the plan of salvation proclaimed in Acts 2:38, and weekly assemble to pray for one another, hear the preaching and teaching of the word of God, and occasionally take part in the Lord’s Supper or communion. These members also practice giving and participating in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through outreach and charitable causes. A vital teaching in the epistles of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament elucidates that church congregations should support missionary efforts. If you the reader are forsaking any of these works in your life, then you must also answer to the scripture found in James 2:26 (KJV): “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHURCH GATHERINGS
The first century church did not gather in buildings specifically constructed for the use of Christian congregations. In fact, there are no archaeological finds of any church edifices before the year 300 AD. Early church narratives do say during the time of persecutions, Roman Christians gathered under the city in the catacombs where they hid to conduct services. According to many New Testament passages, the early saints met in homes, most likely with members who could afford large houses with a courtyard or atrium. The larger the home, the larger the
congregation. In Romans 16:23 (KJV), we read, “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you.” Wow! Gaius was blessed to have a large enough home to host a whole congregation of a city. In I Corinthians 16:19 KJV we read, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church THAT IS IN THEIR HOUSE.” Aquila and Priscilla were tent makers like Paul and wealthy enough to host a large congregation weekly for church services.
As congregations’ evangelistic endeavors spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire in the first three hundred years after Christ, the church triumphed in becoming the state religion and ended many pagan persecutions and institutions. The Hebrew concept of synagogues for weekly meetings, and their Biblical history of the tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem, fostered the concept to have a common center of worship for believers. Countless Christian communities also began constructing houses of worship, evolving into huge cathedrals in Medieval times, and the modern church buildings
existing today. The convenience of gathering with Christian believers in churches in every city and town across America now offers the opportunity for everyone to attend and practice their faith.
WHAT ABOUT HAVING CHURCH IN MY HOME?
For those believers who claim their Christianity is practicing their belief at home, alone with only their family members, then answer these questions. Are you functioning weekly prayer meetings with you and your loved ones? Are you as head of your household teaching and preaching the gospel of Christ weekly to your small congregation? Are you giving from your family budget to missionary works at your discretion? And vital to your evidence of faith, are you practicing evangelism from your home to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through example and outreach? In other words, are you inviting friends, relatives, or your neighbors to join you in your home to worship our Lord Jesus Christ? (CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
"Peter Preaching in the Catacombs" by Polish artist Jan Styka, 1858.
THE RISKS OF DOING IT ALONE
All the above mentioned are vital works we read in the book of James that are done by a gathering of Christian believers in a weekly gathering at a church building. It is true the Bible says in Philippians 2:12 “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”, but the same scripture also warns us to do it right, respecting what Christ and His apostles teach us. And they taught us to gather with other Christian believers as mentioned in Acts 2:42: " And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Then in Acts 2:46 and 27 we read: “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Gathering with a body of Christian believers on a weekly basis secures your salvation and identifies you as a Christian. The church becomes an extended spiritual family that will place you in fellowship with others who will welcome you as a brother or sister in the Lord. This is beautifully expressed in Ephesians 2:19 (KJV): “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
Christ established His church with direct commands to His disciples that this would be their mission. Christ’s salvation message is vital as he says in Matthew 16, “and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”What a blessed promise from our Saviour! The church will triumph over evil. It is a safe haven for all, including you and your family, dear reader, from a corrupt world.
In Ephesians 5:25 we read: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it;” Christ died
on the cross for His church. If you reject His church, Christ’s warning in Matthew 10:33 (NKJV) becomes even more inclusive of His church: “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.”
Ephesians 1:22-23 (TLB) says about our Lord Jesus and His church: “And God has put all things under His feet and made Him the supreme Head of the Church—which is His body, filled with Himself, the Author and Giver of everything everywhere.” If you reject the church, you place yourself outside the body of Christ.
So ask yourself, dear reader, should you risk your salvation by living your life outside the church and not embracing the blessings the church would afford you? Should you not have your children raised in Sunday school and hope they are being instilled with Christian values only through your example? Will you face Christ one day and give account for your rejection of His church? Specifically, did you choose to make Sunday your day for watching sports, fellowship with non-churchgoers, a day at the casino, or just vegging out? Only you can answer these questions with a clear conscience and the conviction of the Holy Spirit you may claim you have. Even John Donne, scholar and poet, said “no man is an island.” You may need to realize that you cannot do it on your own.
For those of us who have chosen to make the church the focus of our daily walk with the Lord, share this column with your friends and loved ones who do not affiliate themselves with any church. Let them know how blessed you are. Ask for divine wisdom to witness to them in love and truth. Above all, let them know every person has the blessed promise of Psalm 23, “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”
•
March 16 - May 8
"So the wall was finished in the twentieth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days."
- Nehemiah 6:15 (KJV)
Nehemiah Building the Walls and Towers of Jerusalem in 52 Days! (Nehemiah 3). Wood engraving, published in 1835.
It was a miraculous achievement for Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in only 52 days. That's less than two months, moving large, heavy stones (many weighing two and a half tons or more), and under constant threat. But the seemingly impossible became possible. God can do the same for you!
And so Pastor Johnson, moved by God, declared 52 days of miracles for Revival Church from March 16 to May 8 of this year. "As I speak," he said, "God is already orchestrating miracles in your life, supernatural miracles, and you will look around and say, God did it!"
Using the example of the prophet Elijah, he said, "You can pray and your situation can change. The effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous, it changes things. I'm saying if you want God to really change your life, it's going to take, effective, fervent prayer like Elijah prayed. It's going to be that kind of prayer life, that kind of radical commitment to see the working of the supernatural."
So, come pray together for a miracle. Join us on Monday and Friday prayer nights at the church. Pray in your home connect group. The ladies are even going to have an all-night prayer meeting on April 11. Pray without ceasing, and see what God will do.
Already miracles are happening! Look around you. When you get your miracle, please send an email to MiracleMoments52@gmail.com, so we can celebrate and praise God together with you. 52 days of miracles!
Cover Story
Testimony of Faith Sujey & Alex Diaz
Editor's Note: Alex and Sujey Diaz have been faithful members of Revival Church all the way back to 2002. Alex leads our men's ministry and Sujey, our KREW children's ministry. Their three daughters: Natalie, Alexis, and Caitlyn are all involved in serving the Lord. It's interesting to note that neither Sujey not Alex were raised as children in church, but each found their own pathway to God. Read their fascinating journeys as they struggle to yield to God's bidding.
Sister Sujey's Apostolic roots go all the way back to her grandfather, Elder Lappo Escalante, and farther back yet to the Azusa Street revival in the early 1900s. A woman from that revival, traveled to Mexico, preaching about the amazing experience of receiving the Holy Ghost and baptizing many converts. It was through one of her contacts, that Sujey's grandfather was converted. But the chain of faith was temporarily interrupted by Sujey's mother.
Although Sujey's mother was raised in church, she later backslid when, at 18 or 19 years of age, she married an unbeliever, much to her grandfather's consternation. Sujey, unfortunately, was not born into a church-attending family. Her parents later divorced. Sujey and her siblings were introduced to Sunday School by her aunts and uncles who brought her to a Spanish speaking Apostolic Church in Hanford, a small town in Central California. She remembers at nine years of age praying for God to bring her family back together. "I always wanted to have a family attending church together," she said. She would look around the church and see families sitting together in church. "I wanted my family to be like that," she said. It was a fervent prayer of hers as a child."
After the divorce, Sujey found herself and her siblings being raised by a single mom. She remembers moving a lot when she was in elementary school and junior high. Finally by the time she entered high school, the family had settled in Fresno, California. They were living on the Westside, a tough neighborhood, and she was attending Thomas Edison High School.
It was at age 15 she felt for the first time God drawing her. At the time she was attending West Fresno, United
text by Editor Virginia Aguilera
Apostolic Church, pastored by Mike Perez. However, once she graduated from high school, she started drifting to worldly things. "I was not doing good," she said. "I was doing bad things." At the time, no one in her family was going to church. It was then at age 19 that a frightening, vivid vision shook her world.
"One night, as I was falling asleep I had a vision. It was very real. In that vision I could see three rooms, and I was in the first room. In the first room, I could see the Grim Reaper. He touched my thigh with his fingernails. It was disgusting. He told me I needed two things: you need to be clean, and you need to be clean. I didn't understand that. All of a sudden I was in the next room. The next room had an altar, and the altar had a book, and the book was speaking. There was a voice and verses coming out of it. I knew it was the Bible because of the verses. It said you need to obey your father and your mother. I thought just my mom because I don't have a dad. I looked to the left and down, and I could see a funeral procession happening. And at that moment I realized, I realized it was MY funeral. And I realized where I was. Verses started coming to my mind like the verses that say it is common for man to die and then the judgment. And as I looked to my right, I knew there was another room coming. In that room there was like smoke all over the room and the floor like fog or smoke. There was a throne, and I could see the feet of the king sitting on the throne, but I could not see him. But I knew it was God, and I knew what was coming next: that it was judgment coming for me, and I knew I wasn't ready. I looked to the right, and I screamed, God give me a second chance! When I said that my soul came back to my body, and I jumped out of my bed. It
SUJEY'S STORY
Alex and Sujey Diaz
was like it pushed me out of bed. For the three days, I couldn't eat. I couldn't sleep. If I closed my eyes, all I saw were demons all around me. I felt like they were going to grab my soul and take it. It would even happen during the day. It was so vivid. I was like a zombie for three days. Finally, after the second night, I told my mom I had a terrible dream. I can't go to sleep. She said you need to pray. Let's pray. So we got on our knees and prayed, and I felt a little better, but not completely. She told me, you need to read your Bible. I opened a dusty Bible from somewhere. When I randomly opened the Bible, I read the verse about out of the pit, I called your name. I cried and cried. I thought it's true, this vision really happened. I had been telling myself that my vision was just a dream. The heaviness was so overwhelming that on that Wednesday, I called my friend, Angela Vasquez, who had been inviting me to church. I asked her if she still went to church, and she said, yes, of course. She asked me if I wanted to go to church with her, and I said yes. She picked me up, and that Wednesday night I went to church. I went to the altar, and I felt like a whole sack of potatoes fell off my back, like the whole world was lifted off my back. I felt so relieved. And I dedicated my life to God that night. I said, God, I'm never going back. I'm going to serve you no matter what."
Two months later on December 15, 1996, Sister Sujey was baptized in Jesus name. It was another two years until she received the gift of the Holy Ghost. She had already met a college student, named Alex Diaz, at a party, about a year before she was baptized. She was attending City College, and he was majoring in Chemistry at Fresno State. Both of them at the time, had no idea how this encounter would eventually alter the courses of their lives.
ALEX'S STORY
Alex Diaz, the youngest of 8 siblings, was born in Madera, a small town near Hanford. Sadly, both of his parents, drug addicts, died when he was very young. His aunt and uncle took him in until he was adopted with he was five years old. His adopted mom was a teacher's aid, and his father, a correctional officer. He spent his childhood in Manteca, and later moved with his family to Ripon where he attended high school. He was raised in a very secular home as the Diazes had no church affiliation. All he knew about God were casual references on TV and in culture. Although he lived in Ripon, a town north of Modesto which has many churches, he
said, no one ever invited him to church. He mused the people there were "underground Christians."
During high school he was involved in the competitive sport of wrestling. "Wrestling," he said, "was a big part of my life in junior high and high school." He admitted he did not have good grades in high school. "I was lazy." His coach, Anthony Ramiro, asked him if he was going to wrestle in college. Alex never envisioned himself ever going to college, especially with his grades. However, he was able to be accepted at Fresno State College under a special program for minority students. "It was like a second chance program," said Alex. Once he got started in college, he realized he was smart. "I was always a linear thinker. I liked to problem solve. I decided I needed to get down to business." He majored in chemistry. This second chance program was about to change his life in major ways.
THEIR STORY
After meeting at that fateful party, Alex and Sujey started dating. Her friends were amazed at the time that she was interested in Alex as he was so quiet and hardly said a word when they first met. But, there was something special about that quiet man.
When Sujey got baptized, she invited Alex to her baptism. He had no idea the significance of the act of baptism. After her baptism, Alex was shocked when she told him she could not have a relationship with him anymore. But love prevailed, and she couldn't bring herself to ending their relationship. "We were in love," said Sujey. Occasionally, Alex would come to church with her, but church did not line up with his "scientific" viewpoint. He told her, "Science says this. I will stay with that."
"It was an adjustment to date a Christian girl," said Alex. "I told Sujey you do your thing and I’ll do my thing." However, attending a PSR Conference with Sujey planted a seed in Alex that stuck. "I saw Pentecostals," he said. "I remember seeing in the convention center a big, long curtain. And behind it, all the women were praying. It was really different. It was a level up. I thought to myself, if I ever did this, I want to do it like them." His interest was piqued.
Three years into their relationship, Alex asked Sujey to marry him. At first the minister told them to wait for six months. They were about to have their engagement dinner, when the minister announced he could not marry her to an unbeliever. Frustrated, Alex suggested to Sujey that they asked someone else to marry them. Ad-
amantly, Sujey said no. "I have to obey my pastor," she said. "Don't ever make me chose between you and God. God will always win."
They continued on as friends. Many times they broke up and went back together again. However in 2001, Alex graduated and announced he was going to move to Modesto with his dad. At that point, they decided not to have any more contact as Alex did not want a relationship with God. She, on the other hand, was faithfully attending church and was a Sunday School teacher and junior high leader. "Since that Wednesday night I came to church, I never stopped," she said.
So Alex moved to Modesto, got a job at Tracy High in 2002 teaching chemistry. He had a new car and thought to himself, I'm living the life. "I thought I would leave God in Fresno," he said. He was wrong.
As he was working his first year of teaching, God was still speaking to him. "I felt a prick in my conscience," he said. "Alright," he thought, "let's see what this is all about." He went on the Internet and found two UPCI churches in Modesto. "I remember coming home one day and stopping at the UPCI Revival Center," he said. He walked all around the church and decided to start attending church there. "This is when Bishop Keyes taught hard," he said. "I was learning so much so quickly. We were having revivals all the time. Bishop was just on it." Through the grapevine, Sujey heard Alex was in church. Excited, she got some tickets to a Giants' game and invited Alex to go with her. Was their hope for their relationship after all?
It was not long after during a Keith Clark revival that Alex was ready. He had always believed there was a God, but Bishop Keyes gave him the Word and faith to believe. That night Keith Clark was preaching hard. "I thought, I am going to do this," he remembers. "I was just ready. I'm tired of fighting this. He called Sujey and told her he was going to be baptized. She did not even
know where the church was located. When he came out of the water, he remembers his arms feeling clean.
After he got baptized, they started dating again. They were married in May, five months after he was baptized. Sujey's youth pastor, Rick Moya, did the honors. Alex later received the gift of the Holy Ghost during a revival. He remembers being amazed by the experience. Married, the two of them both now began attending Revival Center. Sujey, always involved, with Bishop Keyes' approval, immediately began teaching Sunday School and has never stopped being involved in children's ministry. When Sister Johnson decided to start KREW due to be lack of classroom space for Sunday School, Sujey was involved and eventually took it over. In 2005, she got involved in Bible quizzing which she did for 20 years, and she sent teams to Nationals almost every year! Alex has also been very active, serving as head of our Men's Ministry since 2010. He also assists the streaming ministry and ushers.
All three of their daughters are actively serving the Lord. Their daughter, Natalie, is attending MJC majoring in computer engineering. She is planning on a missions trip this summer to the Dominican Republic. Alexis is in the process of finishing her degree in social media. She currently has two jobs: Revival Church and also Creativist where she is a social media manager. Caitlyn, the youngest, is currently a junior in high school. She is on the streaming team, both in the sanctuary services and for Revive Youth. "Having our family living for God," she said, "that’s what I always wanted."
Sujey rejoices that God heard and answered her earnest wish and prayer when she was only 9 years old, and she loves to tell the KREW kids about it. "I tell the kids if you are 9 years old and you pray to God, God is listening to you, and God will give you the desires of your heart. He does!"
The Diaz Family: Sujey, Alexis, Caitlyn, Natalie, and Alex
KREW Children's Ministry
AKA Kids RAdicAlly ExpERiEncing WoRship
Sujey Diaz has been teaching Sunday School at Revival Church ever since she and her family started attending in 2002. In 2016 Sister Johnson, seeing a need for a children's service on Wednesday nights, started KREW. It was a place where children could learn about God in terms they could understand. It also focused on teaching children about worship and encouraged them to take ownership of their services by being greeters, ushers, and even testifying and teaching Biblical principles to their peers. KREW eventually was added to Sunday services, as well. Sometime before the Pandemic, Sister Johnson, who had been overseeing KREW, asked Sister Sujey to take over. Sujey has been in charge ever since. Through the years, KREW has made some other
changes. With the addition of the classroom upstairs, about three years ago classes for the upper elementary students are now held there, while the younger elementary students remain in the chapel. Presently, her KREW team consists of: Rene and Steve Vargas, Vinney and Cindi Zapien, and Leilani and John Ramos for the upper grades; and Eleanor Lira, Chloè Espinoza, and Hailey Torres for the lower grades. "I would like to expand the children’s ministry," says Sujey, "with more teachers and more classrooms." We pray for God's continual blessing on our children's ministries. Thank you, Sister Sujey, for your leadership and to all of our KREW teachers!
photos by Editor Leo Aguilera
The First Sunday Service of the Year
photos by Don Mellow & Creative Team
THE FIRST SUNDAY SERVICE OF 2025
kicked off with anointed singing by the ensemble; powerful, convicting preaching by senior pastor Todd Johnson; a time of repenting and the partaking of communion, and a slew of baptisms. What a start to the year!
The morning started off during worship with one baptism after another. How beautiful it was to see them all beginning the year off right being baptized in Jesus' name. May God's hand be mightily on each one of them.
After a time of worship, Pastor Johnson began his sermon, "Believe to See," starting with some pastoral
admonition of the importance of prioritizing the house of God. "Nothing," he said, "can take the place of coming together, worshipping the Lord, in the beauty of holiness, in the beauty of righteousness, and in the beauty of brothers and sisters." He then went on to read Mark 11:23,24. He said Jesus said whatever we ask in prayer, believe that we have received it, and it will ours. "Doubt is the enemy of the miraculous," he said. "I pray in 2025, we have a revival of believing again."
The service ended with the altar filled with arms raised and declarations of a new fervency in 2025.
"Believe to See" - Pastor Johnson
Dannie Hood "The Place I call home"
PASTOR DANNIE HOOD is no stranger to Revival Church. Although now he is pastoring Landmark Church in Denver, California, he, in years passed, was a much sought after evangelist, coming often to minister in Modesto. We were delighted to have him back in January of this year to help us reset for the new year. His sermon, "The Place I Call Home," reiterated Pastor Johnson's emphasis on the importance of God's house. Pastor Hood said in his unique way, "God ain't your quick fix. He's your everyday nutrition. He's your daily bread. He remind us that we are members of the household of God. "You are a partaker of the blessings of the Lord," he said. "You are not dimmed.
You are not down. You are not discouraged. You are not disappointed, but you are delivered by the power and the presence of God because this is the place you call home." He went on to say, "God is working when you're not awake. God is working when you're not aware. God is working when you've got nothin' by a worry." When he opened up the altar for prayer he said, "Make yourself at home."
We are thankful to have such men of God as Pastor Hood speak the Word to us. As you can see from the pictures of the altar call and baptisms, God moved in a mighty way. So glad I can call the church my home!
photos by Don Mellow and the Creative Team.
Danny Becerra
"S P en T on G od "
"God, I want it to be said that I gave everything for you."
What a joy it was to have the missionary family of Danny and Esther Becerra with us on a Wednesday night in January. Brother Becerra shared with us the exciting things God has done in Belize in the past year since the Becerras returned to serve there after their time of deputation. Over three new church building were built in areas they did not have churches in before. In November, a brand new Bible school was built. Presently they have over 35 students enrolled with 7 graduating this March. In addition to churches, 3 new preaching points were started. One was established after a men's retreat in the mountains in which the guide at the end asked to be
A MissionAry's HeArt
BrotherBecerra had a powerful final thought at the recent Missionary Sit-down in January. He began by reading Luke 13:8 which speaks of a fig tree. When the property owner saw his tree did not bear fruit, he told his gardener to cut it down. The gardener responded by asking the man to give the tree one more year in order for him to break up this soil, see what's in the soil that is causing it not to give fruit, and to fertilize it.
Brother Becerra commented on this scripture by saying: "I've always believed that everyone has a call of God–not the same, but it's always a call. I have to be fruitful in God's kingdom. It doesn't have to look the same as everyone else. If I've looked at my life and searched within my soul and I'm not bearing fruit, I've got to go in. I've got to search my heart. I've got to dig some things up. Is there anything that is blocking God's call in my life? Are there attitudes, hatred, frustrations, bitterness? What is it that is limiting me from producing the way God intended me to produce for His kingdom? God, help me to realize it. Help me to come to an altar of repentance. God, let it be purged from my heart. Let it be removed from me that I could be positioned to be in a place that I could bear fruit for Your kingdom, God."
baptized. Over 25 people now gather in this area that is so remote that it named for the mile post of where it is located - Mile 21. Three people have already been baptized from this group. Another preaching point was started in a village named Cotton Tree. Six people were baptized in two weeks. In the district conference in Belize in November, over 200 people gathered and were able to witness a woman miraculously healed. Their long-time goal is to buy property and build a campground. "I believe," said Brother Becerra, "we are going to see revival greater than we could ever imagine!"
Missionaries
Danny and Esther Becerra were invited by Elders Jerry and Andrea Powell to be featured at a recent missionary sit-down at the home of Joshua and Jeannette Aguilera. It was a time of sharing their journey to becoming missionaries, answering questions of the young people in attendance, and a time of fervent prayer.
After a meal of Sister Powell's very popular Pozole and lemon cake, the group of Revive Youth with leaders Tim and Jeriann Powell and Young Adults, accompanied by leader Lindsay Castro, sat down with anticipation.
Brother Becerra shared his story first. He said, "Modesto birthed by burden for missions." After starting to live for God at age 15, he became involved with the church's Youth on Missions trips to various countries. He said the trip to Hawaii was very impactful. During the church's 2004 missions conference, he felt God called him to missions. In 2007, he went to Brazil for 6 months, assisting Brother DeMerchant. "Every day I've drawn on things I learned from Brother DeMerchant," said Brother Becerra. He admitted he was not ready for the missions field yet. He transferred from Modesto to Gustine and served under Pastor Floyd Lozada for several years, and learned to be ready at all times to preach the word. "God allowed me to draw from these great men of God. "There's beauty in the process," he said. "I'm thankful I didn't rush the process. Stay in he will of God as He orchestrates," he advised. He emphasized the importance to prepare for one's calling with prayer, fasting, study of the Word, outreach, and teaching Bible studies. Finally, they had the opportunity to go to Belize. Initially, he and his wife were going for a year. He prayed for God's direction, and it was confirmed when his long time job in the states closed, and God miraculously provided the funding to stay. "Stay in the will of God as He orchestrates, and God opens doors," said Brother Danny.
Sister Becerra said she was 15 or 16 years of age when she really made up her mind to live for the Lord. She remembered having a prayer meeting after a missions conference. She already had a burden for missions. "I remember telling the Lord what I wanted to do for Him." She asked God, "Why would you use me?" She said God impressed on her just to tell Him what she wanted to do. "I said I'd love to do missions," she said. "He said, 'Let it be.'" Soon God opened the door for her to go with Jeriann Powell on a missions trip to the Philippines. "I felt so awesome, so fulfilled, "she said. "God confirmed my calling during this trip." After the Becerras were wed and had begun their family, they went on a missions trip to Belize as chaperones in 2018. During the last service at a Mayan village while she was praying, God told her, "It's time to go." She told the Lord all of her concerns and worries, including the thought of taking her children away from their grandparents, cousins, and friends caused her. "I asked God if He was sure," she said, "and he said yes." When they got back to California, they had a meeting with Brother Lozada. Before they even had a chance to tell them of their decision to go full-time as missionaries to Belize, Brother Lozada, brought it up and gave his approval. He had already recognized it was time to fulfill God's calling in their lives. Still, both Brother and Sister Becerra took a one year leave from their jobs and traveled to Belize in faith. Then Covid hit! With a worldwide pandemic sickening and killing people globally, they were given the opportunity to come home for their safety. They decided to stay. "We felt," she said, "that God wanted us to stay in Belize." It was during that troubling time that God established a church in Corozal in Northern Belize, in an area that had never had an Apostolic church before. "We are thankful we stayed."
The Great Harvester Evangelist David Smith
"Nothing
Too Hard for God"
photos by Don Mellow and the Creative Team.
46 Receive the Holy Ghost, 7 Baptized!
What a time we had with Evangelist David Smith who preached for us on the last Sunday in January. This man of God is definitely razor-sharp focused on souls. Using humor and stories of miraculous healing and deliverance, he fanned the flames of faith. It was not long until he suddenly called groups of people up to the altar: those needing to be filled or refilled with the Holy Ghost, those needing healing, and those who needed a supernatural intervention in their lives. The altar was full! It was exciting to see hand after hand raised as people started receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues--just
like the Bible says. Praise God! Brother Smith was accompanied by his son, Spencer, (top left) who is also an evangelist. They sometimes tag-team together during revivals. On this trip, Brother Spencer helped work the altars, praying for those who desired God to touch their lives. By the end of this extraordinary service, 46 people had received the Holy Ghost and 7 had been baptized in Jesus' name! If January is any indication of where this year is headed, who knows where we will be by the end of the year. The harvest ripe. Let's get busy in the kingdom. Maranatha - the Lord is coming!
El avivamiento está estallando en nuestros servicios de habla hispana
El evangelista David Smith ministra en el servicio de habla hispana del domingo por la mañana. Diecisiete personas recibieron el don del Espíritu Santo y varias fueron bautizadas en el nombre de Jesús. ¡El avivamiento está sucediendo!
Fotos del fotógrafo de NewsVine, Don Mellow
¡Diecisiete reciben el bautismo del Espíritu Santo!
Nuestro Ministerio de habla hispana, dirigido por el hermano Antonio y la hermana Gloria Gutiérrez, está teniendo un gran mover de Dios. ¡Qué bendición fue tener al evangelista David Smith ministrando! El hermano Smith, interpretado por el hermano Gutiérrez,
predicó un poderoso mensaje que provocó lágrimas de arrepentimiento, brazos levantados en rendición y fe, ¡y llevó a la llenura de 17 personas con el bautismo del Espíritu Santo! ¡Dios se está moviendo! ¡A Dios sea la gloria!
Drew Galloway
"The leSSer lIGhT"
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
- Matthew 5:14, 16 (NKJV)
Drew and Summer Galloway with their son, Oliver.
"Let
your light shine," said Brother Galloway to these newly Holy Ghost baptized.
BE A REFLECTION OF HIS LIGHT!
What a pleasure to have Evangelist Drew Galloway of Bogalusa, Louisiana, visit our church again this February. Using Genesis 1 as his text, he preached on "The Lesser Light." He used the analogy of the Sun lighting the sky during the day and the moon at night to represent Jesus being the Light of the World, and the church reflecting His light. "The Sun," he said, "is going to rule the day. But in the darkest of times when Life is so dark and so grim, it's going to be the Moon
who doesn't utter a word. But the mere presence of the Moon lets those in the night season know, If you see me, there is still a sun shining somewhere in the world." He said, "Just hang on. It won't be long, and you'll see the Sun again." As the moon understands that it is not the source of the light, we understand our responsibility is to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to the world. May our lives reflect the brilliant light of our Savior everyday!
photos by Don Mellow and the Creative Team.
Keenam Rochester, who was healed from cancer, is a testimony that THERE MUST BE A GOD!
Winter
OUR SENIORS COME AND DINE
BUFF, our life group for senior men aged 50 and above, held a special Winter Senior Banquet at Las Consuelas restaurant in Modesto. Director Herb Jenkins (pictured above left) opened up the event to anyone 50 and above, so many of our ladies from the Mature Ladies life group graciously accepted the invitation. After covering some future BUFF business including the gathering of names of those who needed a project done in their home such as a handicap ramp, he introduced the speaker for the night, Sister Carol Castillo. Hearing Sister Castillo speak is a real treat. She is a gifted communicator. The Newsvine is fortunate to have
her on staff as a columnist, and we have included her talk in this issue. She spoke on aging, a very pertinent topic for seniors, emphasizing that you are never too old to be used by God.
We are thankful for all of our seniors who, despite the aches and pains that come from living many decades, they still find ways to serve God. It may look different from their youth, but they are still valuable in the kingdom of God. We are thankful for their godly example, their faithful prayer, their wisdom (they've been through the fire and have come out the other side golden), and their determination to finish their race.
Herb Jenkins Carol Castillo
AgINg: MAkINg MUsIC WITh WhAT ReMAINs
Aging has a way of sneaking up on us. One moment, we feel like we’re still 19, and the next, we look in the mirror and see our mother staring back. The process of growing older often comes with unexpected realizations, challenges, and—if we allow it—wisdom. But while aging is inevitable, how we approach it is entirely up to us.
An Early Glimpse of Aging
Most people expect aging to arrive gradually, but for some, it comes early. At 18, just starting college, I was blindsided by a sudden and severe onset of arthritis. My knee swelled to the size of a football, and doctors diagnosed me with a rare form of the disease. I thought my life was over. While my peers were enjoying their youth, I spent months bedridden, waiting for the pain and swelling to subside.
Though my body felt decades older than my actual age, life had other plans. Time brought medical advances, treatments, and new ways to adapt. Though I live with limitations, I’ve learned to work around them—because limitations are not unique to me. We all have them. The question isn’t whether we have struggles but how we respond to them.
Making Music with What Remains
There’s a story about violinist Yitzhak Perlman, who, during a performance, had
♫
one of his violin strings snap. Instead of stopping, he continued playing with three strings, improvising as he went. The result was music unlike anything the audience had ever heard. After the performance, he simply said, "Our job is to make music with what remains."
That’s the challenge of aging. We can focus on what we’ve lost—youth, energy, unwrinkled skin—or we can embrace what we still have. And that choice makes all the difference.
Isaiah 46:4 reminds us: "Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save." Aging does not mean abandonment. God continues to sustain and give purpose, no matter our season of life.
Shifting Perspectives on Aging
When I turned 70, I didn’t feel dread—I felt gratitude. Life is a gift, not a guarantee. However, aging does bring an acute awareness of mortality. The funerals I attend now are not for my parents’ generation but for my peers and friends. This shift in perspective has given me clarity: I no longer waste time on regrets, gossip, or worry. I focus on what lies ahead, not what’s behind.
Job 12:12 says, "Wisdom is with the aged,
and understanding in length of days." Each additional year is an opportunity to gain wisdom and share it with others.
Staying Young in Spirit
Age is as much about mindset as it is about numbers. Some people feel old simply because another birthday has passed, while others maintain a youthful spirit well into their later years. Here’s how to stay young in spirit:
• Think Young. Don’t dwell on what you’ve lost; focus on what’s still ahead.
• Talk Young. Stop discussing aches and pains and instead talk about the joys of today and the excitement of what’s to come.
• Relate Young. Surround yourself with younger people. Their energy and enthusiasm will keep you vibrant.
• Act Young. Stay curious, try new things, and embrace each day with wonder.
Psalm 92:14 encourages us: "They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green." There is no expiration date on usefulness. If we remain close to God, we remain vibrant and full of purpose.
Taking Care of the Body That Got You Here
Aging is inevitable, but how we age is a choice. Here are some ways to support the body that has carried you this far:
• Appreciate your body. It has served you well.
• Stay active. Walk outside, feel the sun on your face, and move every day.
• Eat well. Nourish yourself with good food and eliminate unnecessary junk.
• Spend time with loved ones. Cherish the moments because tomorrow isn’t promised.
• Laugh often. It’s the best medicine, with no side effects.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." That means every stage of life holds meaning and value.
Finding Hidden Value in the Ordinary
During a recent dentist visit, my doctor noted how active my salivary glands were. She said, "That’s a good thing! Without them, you’d have dry mouth, difficulty chewing, and swallowing." It struck me— no one ever appreciates their salivary glands, but they serve an essential function. Likewise, in the body of Christ, the most valuable things are often unseen.
The Bible is full of stories of people accomplishing great things in old age. Daniel was 86 when he faced the lions' den. Caleb was 85 when he declared, "Give me this mountain." Sarah was 90 when she gave birth to Isaac.
Isaiah 40:31 tells us, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." That doesn’t sound like someone too old to make a difference.
We do not retire from being useful to God. Our role may change, but our purpose never disappears. Aging is inevitable, but becoming old in spirit is optional.
God’s grace is sufficient. How do I know? Because we’re still here. We have made mistakes, faced hardships, and stumbled along the way—but we are still standing.
So yes, we’re going to die. But let’s not stop living before then. We are not too old, and it is not too late.
Get Connected at a Home Connect Group!
Beginning in February on the last Wednesday night of the month, our church family, began meeting in various homes across the city and in adjacent cities, and even at a hotel - thank you, Hotel Bayit! Members were divided by zip codes, meeting in their local neighborhood or local community, online, or at the church. Well over 325 participated, divided over approximately a dozen locations. "We shared bread, shared our stories, and most importantly, shared in the Word of God," said Sister Sujey Diaz. "The best part? We got to welcome new souls, people who had never been to church before!" It was a powerful reminder of how God moves through home fellowship. Excited for what's to come!"
Sister Gracie Delgadillo had a great time at the connect group at Sister Linda Salazar's house. "I loved the different age groups," she said, "because it made it
comfortable for all ages. Sister Linda did an outstanding job teaching the lesson and with obvious anointing. Of course, she prepared a delicious meal too. Looking forward to the next one." Sister Andrea Powell remembered how at a home fellowship group 42 years prior, she realized her need for Jesus' name baptism. "We met on a Friday," she said," and by Sunday morning, I was baptized." She went on to say, "Our time at Danny and Crystal Gregory's home was powerful, filled with hospitality and anointed teaching that far exceeded my expectations. Revival is here, and we are so blessed to be part of what God is doing." Sister Virginia Aguilera attended the Home Connect Group at the home of her son, Josh and daughter-in-law, Jeannette. "What a beautiful time of prayer, worship, and the Word! Can't wait to do it again!"
Get Connected!
Love Our Connect Groups!
Pastor Floyd Lozada
"The Key"
"God always has a plan, even though we don't always see it. There are things that come into our lives that sometimes happen, and it doesn't seem like God is in control, or God is even there, or God is even working. It's amazing how in those dark places, in those places of uncertainty, that we find God to be closer than what we even expect."
The keY TO The MIRACUlOUs
On March 16, Pastor Floyd Lozada delivered a powerful message to launch our 52 Days of Miracles. Drawing from Nehemiah 1:3-4, he recounted Nehemiah’s deep sorrow upon hearing that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed. Overwhelmed by the news, Nehemiah wept, fasted, and prayed before God. In response, the Lord moved on the heart of the king, who not only granted Nehemiah permission to return and rebuild the city's walls but also provided the necessary materials for the task.
Pastor Lozada also spoke about Hannah, a woman who fervently fasted and prayed for a child. In an act of divine intervention, God answered her prayer, demonstrating the power of persistence in faith. “I believe in the spiritual aspect of serving God,” Pastor Lozada said. “There are sacrifices we must make to see God's will come to pass.” He emphasized that “fasting has the power to destroy every yoke.” He then presented a thought-provoking analogy: Sometimes, we are like people who visit an ice cream shop, sampling different flavors but never fully committing to a purchase. “As Christians, we often settle for sample-size portions of God because we’re unwilling to fully invest in what He wants to do in our lives and families,” he said. “We take spoonfuls of the miraculous but never truly buy in.”
Pastor Lozada urged us to silence the voices of doubt that rob us of God's promises. Instead, we must declare, “God, I submit my will to Yours.” The real question for each of us is this: How hungry are we for the miraculous?
"MADE FOR More"
SIS Ladies gather for a group photo at the end of their first ladies retreat. More than 125 women attended!
What a great time was had at the first ever SIS Ladies Retreat held in March of this year at Embassy Suites in Seaside, California. The event checked every box: amazing location (just a hair's breath from Monterey); outstanding hotel (great accommodations and many of us even enjoyed an ocean view); delicious food (sumptuous dinner and hot and cold breakfast) was included in the hotel and retreat pricing); wonderful fellowship with our RC sisters; excellent panelists and main speaker (we love you, Sister Johnson); and exquisite attention to detail.
SIS (Sisters in Seasons) was started with a promise from God to Sister Angela Warren. In prayer for a special need, God spoke to Sister Angela and told her if she would start a women's ministry, He would answer her prayer. When Sister Angela called Sister Johnson, asking for her permission, Sister Johnson told her, "Do it!: and in less than a year, God fulfilled that promise.
SIS has sponsored ladies Bible studies, an annual tea, and other events, but this is the first time SIS has taken on the momentous task of hosting a ladies conference. As they say, it takes a village, and so it was with this event. Assisting Sister Angela were sisters: Kim Keyes,
Sharon Keyes, Mehgan Fairbanks, Ashley Amador, Alexis Diaz, Jacqeline Aguirre, Rebekah Hunt, and Joyce Jones, to name just a few of those who made this event possible.
After checking into the hotel on Friday night, ladies were treated to an amazing, 3-course grilled chicken dinner (my mouth still waters when I remember how delicious it was!) After a very competitive icebreaker game of Rock, Paper, Scissors, the ladies sat down to listen to a Q&A panel consisting of Sisters Andrea Powell, Mehgan Fairbanks, and Crystal Hall. As Sister Jeriann Montes asked a series of questions, each panelist answered, reciting from their experiences serving God. It was an emotional, uplifting time. The evening ended with a deep time of prayer, with sisters praying for their own needs, and then being moved to pray for other sisters. Just when we thought the evening was over, there were many who stayed for a time to play games (I don't know how they found the energy!)
Saturday morning began with a tasty breakfast buffet, complete with a choice of omelets, eggs, bacon, rolls, and much more, along with coffee, tea, and assorted juices. The group then gathered in the designat-
Ladies Retreat
Many of the ladies wearing their SIS sweatshirts especially designed for this event.
ed conference room for a time of worship and prayer, followed up by small group interactions and a time to introduce oneself to someone new. In a church of our size, it is easy to find unfamiliar faces and then make new friends. The highlight of the day was our main speaker, Sister Kim Johnson, who spoke not limiting what we do for God because we compare ourselves to others and feel we come short. She emphasized that God is looking for people who are willing to say yes. She echoed the retreat's theme: Made for More
Reflecting back on the retreat, Sheelah Williams said, "I think it was a good time of fellowship, spending time with like-minded sisters in Christ. I'm glad next year we will have two days." Jocelyn Powell added, "SIS retreat was such an uplifting and unifying weekend. The Lord met us in such powerful ways, and I truly believe He healed and mended broken hearts and minds. It was so amazing to see our amazing RC ladies come together to worship, laugh, and enjoy each other's company! I am so thankful for everything God is doing and going to do through our ladies ministry!"
Ladies, be watching for announcements for more exciting and impactful upcoming SIS events.
Friday Night Rocks!
A Q&A panel made up of church planters, Mehgan Fairbanks (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and Crystal Hall (San Louis Obispo, California) and Sister Andrea Powell (previous RC Missions co-director with her husband Jerry Powell). Their candid answers reflected their passion for the work of God and overcoming life's unexpected challenges by the grace of God.
A lively contest of Rock, Paper, Scissors helped break the ice. What beats scissors again?
Talk about elegance! Not only do we have classy ladies, but the dinner Friday night was off the charts! Wow! No detail was left out from the lovely gift bags to the colorful balloon and flower decorations. Pictured above: Sister Sharon Keyes poses with Sisters Angela Warren, Jackie Aguirre, and Crystal Hall, as they wait for one amazing meal!
photos by Creative Team member Autumn Amador
The ladies join together in powerful prayer, ministering to each other. Who knows what obstacles were thrown aside and what victories were tearfully won? James 5:16 proclaims: "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." Let it be, Lord. Amen!
Sister Johnson Speaks
The keynote speaker for the SIS retreat was our very own pastor's wife, Sister Kim Johnson. Speaking before groups is not something she is comfortable doing, as she is a behind-the-scenes kind of person. However, she accepted the invitation and prayerfully sought out God's will for the conference. When she spoke, it was from the heart and from her years of experience as a pastor's wife and a mother.
Her message focused on not comparing oneself to others. "You are not supposed to be anyone but yourself," she said. She urged the ladies not to think of themselves as "just" this or "just" that. "You are made for more," she declared. "Stop comparing yourself!"
Quoting Sister Bonnie Ketner, a faithful, mighty prayer warrior who passed away several years ago, she
went on to say, "If you life for God hard, it's easy." It's not that life is always easy, but when we are at our low points, when we are hurting and struggling, God meets us right where we are. All you have to do is cry out.
She addressed all those who think they are have no talents or skills to work for the kingdom of God. "All He needs," she said, "is a vessel to say, yes." You may not feel capable, but He is looking for someone who is willing. If you answer yes to the Lord, see what He'll do in your life, she said. You just have to trust and believe. She ended by challenging the ladies to step out in faith. Lord, help us not to limit what we can do for God by comparing ourselves to others. Help us to be willing to step out of our comfort zone, and step into faith.
WIllINg TO sAY Yes - We ARe MADe fOR MORe
Feed the Body, Feed the Soul Life Group Connects
Our home Bible study group - Feed the Body, Feed the Soul - meets the last Thursday of each month for a time of fellowship including a potluck and for dessert, the Word of God. What a joy it is to open our home to our church brothers and sisters and their relatives and to friends. Ours is just one of the home Bible studies going on throughout the month. Do you want to make friends? Do you want to take a deep dive into the scriptures? Do you need fellowship? Join a home Bible study or even host one. Get connected! - Bro. Aguilera
JOIN US ON ZOOM!
In person or online, there's a Bible study for you!
RC ladies, Do you have a desire to learn more of God's Word? Want to develop friendships with like-minded Christian ladies? Are you busy and have a tight schedule? We have the answer for you. You are invited to join our weekly - one houronline Bible study. We are currently in Exploring God's Word. Interested? Have questions? See Andrea Powell to get yourself connected. We would love to have you join us!
In February, Pastor Johnson emotionally announced the engagement to their daughter MaKayla to Bradyn Shock, son of Terry and Melani Shock. MaKayla has been very active in ministry, serving on the RC Worship Ensemble, heading up Lighting and Graphic Arts ministries for services, as well as being active in Young Adults. She has participated in many mission trips throughout the year, recently traveling with the Young Adults group to the country of Belize. Thank you, MaKayla, for your using your many talents for the kingdom of God. We pray for God's rich blessings on your marriage. You will always be in the hearts of the saints of Revival Church. We also pray for Pastor and Sister Johnson as they transition to being empty nesters.
The Johnsons Announce MaKayla's Engagement
Bishop Billy Hale
"The PaTh To all of God'S BleSSInGS"
Photos by NewsVine photographer, Don Mellow
We are thankful for the many years Bishop Randy and Sister Sharon Keyes led our church into great revival and missionary outreach.
he ThAT hATh AN eAR, leT hIM heAR!
Apowerful message was preached recently at Revival Church by Bishop Billy Hale of Landmark Tabernacle in Denver, Colorado. He began by reading Deuteronomy 28:2 - "and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord." He illustrated the importance of hearing by recounting the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in which 228,000 people were killed. A surprising finding when recovering the bodies, was that there were very few animals that were killed. The reason why: the animals moved to higher ground because they could hear the impending disaster, but the people could not.
"All through scripture," said Bishop Hale, "you will hear the voice of the Lord saying, he that hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say." God, he said, will speak to His people in their hour of greatest need; however, the reason we may have a difficult time hearing the Lord speak to us, is because our minds are distracted. "God will speak into your life," he said, "if you'll just hear what He has to say. God's word speaks life; the devils' word speaks death. God give us the power to agree with which one we're going to listen to."
Great old-time preaching! Hurry back to Modesto, Bishop Hale!
Bishop Billy Hale and Bishop Randy Keyes, great men of God who have poured themselves out for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The choir, led by Matthew Aguirre, led the church into a dynamic time of worship singing, "Lord, You brought me from a Mighty Long Way." So thankful for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He still transforms lives today!
Missions Report: Fiji
AN ApOsTle fOR JesUs ChRIsT
After decades of traveling to Fiji and India preaching, teaching, and baptizing, Elder Uday Narayan's health no longer allows him to travel overseas. However, this has not stopped him from ministering to souls, whether it is meeting with a local group of believers, preaching online using Zoom, or visiting the sick. His burden for souls drives him on. "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15).
Revival is still strong in the island country of Fiji! Pictured above are the eight souls who were baptized in Jesus' name on March 15 by Pastor David Raju
RevIvAl ChURCh ReCOgNIzeD fOR MIssIONs gIvINg
Revival Church United Pentecostal Church was recently recognized by the Western District for being the second highest mission giving church in California. For decades this church has focused on the importance of supporting missions around the world. Pastor Johnson thanked the church for their generosity, but he said he won't be happy until we are the #1 church in mission's giving. As he always says, "We are blessed to bless others."
March Missionary Sit-Down
The second missionary sit-down of the year took place in Brother Dana Le'Blanc's home. Featured were two RC members who in previous years traveled overseas for missions: Sister Chloé Espinoza and Brother Dana Le' Blanc. Hosting the event were Elders Jerry and Andrea Powell. The honored guests were Elder Uday and Ishneh Narayan. Pictured here is the group that gathered.
Elder Jerry Powell introduces the speakers for the sit-down. On the computer screen is a photo that was taken of a conference in Greece during Sister Chloé's missionary trip.
Elder Andrea Powell invites the attendees to check out a delightful assortment of appetizers after the presentations. The Powells have been involved in missions work for decades.
Elder Andrea Powell and Sister Ashley Valencia worked together to ensure everyone had delicious appetizers and a time to fellowship after the sit-down.
"It was a God thing to go on the [mission] field," said Chloè. It began when she was asked to be a Cup Bearer for the Moreno family, missionaries to Greece, at an RC Missions Conference. During that time, she bonded with them and when they left after the conference she "felt like a piece of my heart went with them." It was at a missions conference she felt the call to missions. She told God, "Whatever you have for me, I am willing to step into it." It was during a Monday night prayer meeting that she received direction from God. And, at age 22, she got onto a plane bound for Greece. "God was in every detail," she said as she recounted the numerous confirmations she received. "God will call you at the most random times," she said. Her advice? Always just say yes. You will never regret it." An important lesson she learned from Sister Moreno was the importance of loving people. "If we don't have love, not even our faith matters. If I don't have the one thing that matters - love - it is all in vain."
The first time, Dana went to India, he was there for only 30 days. What he experience there impacted him so much, that when he came back to the United States, he quit his job to go back. "I experienced things in India that I had no reference for," he said. The poverty and living conditions were so extreme compared to that of America. He was humbled by the sincerity and worship of the Indian people, who for hours, in the intense heat, would praise God despite the lack of air conditioning. Brother Dana's realized "you have to pour yourself out as a drink offering." One emotional memory that really stood out to Dana was about a mosquito bed net. God impressed him to buy the netting before he left. While ministering in one of the villages, a man had been so kind to bring them fresh milk and eggs every day. Brother Dana asked the man what he could do for him. The man replied all he wanted was mosquito netting to protect him while he slept on the floor of his home.
When Elder Uday Narayan spoke at the end of the presentations, it was obvious we were standing in the presence of a present-day Apostle. Here stood a man, a former Hindu, who has poured out life for missions. Once he found the truth, he could not rest until he went to Fiji to tell his family about the one true God. After several mission trips, a thriving churches were established among the people of Indian assent who lived there. Then, one day a copy of The Newsvine was shared with Brother George who led many churches in India. He sent a request for Brother Narayan to come there to share this truth with them. Brother Narayan agreed and flew to a country where he had never been, to meet with people he did not know, to share a gospel they had never heard. Ever since then, Elder Narayan has kept connected to Fiji and India. Even now that he can no longer travel, he still preaches and teaches using Zoom and connects with the WhatsApp. This man never rests. As long as he has breath, his burden for souls thrusts him forward.
CHLOÉ ESPINOZA
DANA Le' BLANC
Revive & Young Adults Thrive
From the Desk of Youth Pastor Sister Jeriann
Revive Youth hosted a Worship Night for the Youth and Young Adults on March 28th. We had 100 people in attendance including first time visitors. It was a powerful night of united worship. God moved in a very mighty way! Newly elected sectional youth directors, Brother Evan Moore and his wife, Theresa, came and ministered.
We are staying busy. Youth Convention is coming up. We also have a youth revival scheduled at the beginning of May with Reverend David Puentas. We are just excited for what God is doing in our youth and in our church!
Note: Pictures for this article are from the March Worship Night and were taken by Creative Team photographer, Autumn Amador.
Montes
Revive Youth Pastors, Tim and Jeriann Montes
Newly elected sectional youth director, Evan Moore, ministers at Worship Night, a combined service for Revive Youth and Young Adults.
RC Revive Youth Pastor Tim Montes greets the more than 100 who attended the combined Worship Night in March. What a mighty move of God that night!
DATES: April 16-18
LOCATION: Visalia Convention Center, 303 E Acequia Ave, Visalia, CA 93291
COST: $65 After April 1st, $70 At the Door, $30 Per Service FOR REGISTRATION & MORE INFORMATION: https://wdyouth.org/events/youth-convention/
DATES: June 25 - 28
AGES: 14-21
LOCATION: Santa Cruz Fairgrounds (Watsonville, California)
COST: $200 pRE-REgistRAtion $250 AftER JunE 1st, $100 REquiREd non-REfundAblE dEposit FOR REGISTRATION & MORE INFORMATION: https://wdyouth.org/events/senior-camp-2025/
Barbara Winter
"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies."
- Proverbs 31:10 (NKJV)
A fAithful sAint finishEs hER RAcE
With tears of sadness and joy, we say farewell to Sister Barbara Winter, who was a faithful saint of Revival Church for many decades. She and her late husband, Chuck Winter, were generous supporters of the church and former recipients of Senior Couple of the Year. She was an active member of the Mature Ladies life group, lunching with her fellow sisters in the Lord. In her younger days, she worked tirelessly in various fundraisers for the church. What a joyous reunion it must have been when Brother and Sister Winter finally united to walk hand in hand on streets of gold. Until we see you again, Sister Winter...
